One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

This post may include affiliate links — learn more here .

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish that brings together tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce, all in a single pot. The bold Cajun spices add just the right amount of heat, while the velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta create a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

I first made this when I was craving something creamy with a little kick, and it quickly became a go-to favorite. The smoky, spicy flavor from the Cajun seasoning pairs perfectly with the creamy Alfredo sauce, while the broccoli adds a fresh, slightly crisp contrast. Plus, cooking everything in one pot makes it incredibly easy and convenient.

What’s great about One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is how versatile it is. You can use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist, swap in a different veggie like spinach or asparagus, or adjust the spice level to your liking. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

Quick weeknight dinners
Comfort food lovers
Meal prep
One-pot meal enthusiasts
Spicy food fans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo will become your new go-to meal:

Bold Cajun Flavor: A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.
Creamy Alfredo Sauce: Rich and luscious sauce coats every bite beautifully.
One-Pot Simplicity: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Protein-Packed: Loaded with tender chicken for a satisfying dish.
Vegetable Boost: Fresh broccoli adds texture, color, and nutrients.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the Cajun seasoning for your preferred spice level.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes for a stress-free meal.
Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day.
Family-Friendly: A dish that pleases both kids and adults.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 550-600 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

For the Cajun Chicken and Pasta:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Ingredient Highlights

Cajun Seasoning: Adds the signature smoky-spicy kick.
Heavy Cream: Ensures a luxuriously creamy texture.
Fresh Broccoli: Provides a nutritious and vibrant contrast.
Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Fettuccine Pasta: Holds the sauce well for the ultimate creamy bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

Season the Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce and Pasta:

Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Cook the Pasta: Add the fettuccine, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets in the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing them to steam and soften.

Finish and Serve:

Incorporate the Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add salt, black pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning as desired.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo:

With Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Paired with a Side Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness.
Over Zoodles: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
With Extra Parmesan: For an even cheesier experience.
As a Spicy Delight: Add more Cajun seasoning or hot sauce for extra heat.
Meal Prep Option: Divide into containers for easy lunches.
With Grilled Shrimp: Elevate the dish by adding seafood.
Topped with Crumbled Beef Bacon: A smoky, crunchy addition.
Family-Style Platter: Serve straight from the pan for a rustic touch.

Additional Tips

Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Grate fresh Parmesan for a smooth and creamy texture.
Control the Heat – Cajun seasoning varies in spice level. Start with a small amount and add more to taste, especially if serving kids or those sensitive to spice.
Sear the Chicken Well – Browning the chicken before adding other ingredients enhances flavor. Let it develop a golden crust for the best taste.
Cook Pasta to Perfection – Since the pasta cooks in the sauce, stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add extra broth if needed.
Use Heavy Cream for Creaminess – For the richest, silkiest sauce, use heavy cream. If substituting with milk, add a bit of cream cheese to maintain thickness.
Add Broccoli at the Right Time – For tender-crisp broccoli, add it in the last 3–4 minutes of cooking. If using frozen, thaw and drain before adding.
Balance the Seasoning – If the dish is too spicy, stir in a splash of milk or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan to mellow out the heat.
Make It a One-Pan Dish – Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to accommodate all ingredients comfortably and ensure even cooking.
Customize with Proteins – Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey sausage, or even tofu for a different twist while keeping the Cajun flavors.
Garnish for Extra Flavor – Finish with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning for a burst of freshness and spice.

Recipe Variations

Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini instead of pasta.
Extra Creamy Version: Add more heavy cream and cheese.
Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use mushrooms or tofu.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice instead.
Spicier Take: Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Lemon Twist: Stir in lemon zest for a fresh kick.
Beef Bacon Lovers: Stir in crispy beef bacon pieces.
Pesto Alfredo: Add a spoonful of pesto for extra flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Addition: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy contrast.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet: A deep, wide pan works best.
Wooden Spoon: For stirring pasta without breaking it.
Sharp Knife: For cutting chicken into even pieces.
Ladle: To scoop and serve the creamy sauce.
Tongs: For handling hot pasta.

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While fettuccine works best, you can use penne, linguine, or any pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or choose a low-spice blend.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu can be great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, whole milk, or a mix of milk and cream cheese can be used, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm it in a pan over low heat, adding a bit of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, as the sauce may separate.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions without overpowering the flavors.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The traditional recipe isn’t, but you can use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in extra broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cream alternative and a plant-based cheese substitute for a similar creamy texture.

Conclusion

One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish that brings together tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce—all in just one pot! The smoky heat from the Cajun seasoning pairs perfectly with the velvety Parmesan sauce, while the broccoli adds a fresh, vibrant touch to balance out the flavors.

This dish is easy to customize—swap the chicken for shrimp, add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies, or use a different pasta shape to mix things up. Serve it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for the perfect finishing touch.

I can’t wait to see how your One Pot Cajun Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!